Danny La Email & Phone Number

San Francisco, CA, US

Milpitas, California, US

Santa Clara, CA, US

• Calibrated IMUs by optimizing cost function, evaluated performance of calibration, and compared fused sensor data against reference encoder reading in joint verifying 50% noise reduction in end signal.
• Wrote C++ drivers, testing apps, and Python data processors for FT sensor.
• Investigated new sensing technologies, designed testing fixture for collecting data, and wrote calibration functions to condition and map signals for end use compensating for up to 67% deviation from ideal.
• Developed C++ app, GUI, and sensor drivers for testing up to 6 different 6DOF FT sensors simultaneously.
• Wrote firmware and software to automate QC test using EtherCAT communication for stepper motor control.

Berkeley, CA, US

• Prototyped servo system to actuate gripper using rack-and-pinion.
• Designed hardware and software setup for determining cutting force to be approximately 300N.
• Calculated power requirements for cutter actuator system to fracture coral with applied stress of approximately 20 MPa.
• Prototyped, assembled, and tested full cutter subassembly successfully sampling 4cm^2 coral cross-section.
• Managed team of five graduate students by leading meetings, designating tasks, and communicating with higher-up lab supervisors to ensure consistent progress of capstone project.

Santa Clara, CA, US

• Wrote Python data processor, test procedure, and optimized SOP for calibrating force and torque sensors.
• Ran ANSYS simulations as well as real-world experiments on effect of external disturbances on torque sensor.
• Analyzed repeatability of robotic arm to be under 0.1mm, refined testing process, and identified issues and areas for improvement through root cause analysis such as forward kinematics in software and dial gauge.
• Designed and assembled rotating fixture to run horizontal tests on robotic arm and streamline calibration process.
• Prototyped wire fixtures to organize wires on power boards, facilitate assembly process, and aid in strain relief.

Santa Barbara, CA, US

• Created final concept for novel locomotion system utilizing nitinol linear actuators to meet design constraints.
• Managed communications between team of 5, sponsors, and advisors for meetings and presentations.
• Utilized SolidWorks to model components in system, perform FEA, and optimize system using results.
• Designed, printed, and tested unique unidirectional treads for actuator subsystems.
• Led and advised team in public speaking-related areas to deliver effective presentations and pitches.
• Presented final concept and prototype to panel during end-of-year capstone fair.

• Created Arduino program to read digital calipers for data collection.
• Designed 3D-printed mount to hold disc brakes for testing rig.
• Prototyped chambers to house vine growing soft robots.
• . Prototyped wax-based pump for variable emissivity design.
• Developed Arduino-based system to measure and record temperatures for passive cooling system.
• Developed Arduino-based PID temperature controller utilizing peltier elements to follow ambient air temperature.

Meguro-ku, Tokyo, JP

• Assisted in developing Visual Studios C++ program to control parallel link robot.
• Assembled testing fixtures to safely perform experiments in reducing vibration of parallel-link robotic system.
• Conducted experiments to capture vibration data of end effector.
• Analyzed data, reached target goal of 0.22s operation time for robotic system, and identified areas for further improvement.

• Collaborate with team members to design affordable, open-source CTD devices for widespread deployment near coastal areas.
• Built open-source water sampler for widespread deployment near coastal areas.
• Reduced typical cost of water sampler from $200 to about $90.
• Designed 3-D printed mounts and laser-cut components for syringes and system using SolidWorks.
• Utilized EagleCAD software to design PCBs for easy and efficient assembly.

Santa Barbara, CA, US

• Created CAD models and drawings of accessory components using SolidWorks.
• Contacted vendors to procure heaters, temperature controllers, and other components to prototype and test.
• Conducted experiments with precise heating accessory to validate improvement over previous product and determine optimal PID values for thermal drift of +/-0.01 degrees Celsius.
• Set up accessory package on various AFM systems for testing and shipment to beta customers.

• Recreated outdated models in current CAD software and validated by replicating FEA from original reports.
• Collaborated with teammates to design improved lifting lug to support 100% greater load.
• Developed presentation, technical writing, and public speaking skills in collaborative intern program with UCSB to deliver weekly presentations as well as final presentation to Navy officers at the end of summer.

Master Of Engineering - Meng, Mechanical Engineering With Concentration In Control Of Robotic And Autonomous Systems

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Mechanical Engineering